Louis L. Sweeny Letters Describing Overland Journey to Silver City, NM, 1875
Collection
Identifier: MSS-871-SC
Scope and Content
The collection consists of 3 letters, handwritten by Louis L. Sweeny, along with typescripts of the letters. The first letter, dated April 26, 1875, describes the train trip across the plains and arrival in Denver, with mention of the scenery, wildlife, and “fugitive" Cheyenne Indians. The second letter, dated May 3, 1875, from Santa Fe, NM, describes the journey into the New Mexico territory, with commentary on the prevalence of adobe houses and a derogatory and racist description of the population: “The Mexicans here, or so-called greasers who with the Indians & half breeds make up nine tenths of the population of the territory, are the most villainous-looking, black, hairy, dirty, greasy creatures you could imagine on two legs." The final letter, May 9, 1875, describes the stage coach journey from Santa Fe to Silver City. Sweeny makes extensive observations about the scenery, commenting on vineyards, orchards, irrigation, crossing the Rio Grande (numerous times), the beauty of Isleta, the Jornada del Muerto, Fort Craig, Aleman, Fort Selden, Doña Ana, Las Cruces, Hot Springs, Fort Bayard, etc. The letters are quite descriptive in regard to the journey and landscape, offering the perspective and commentary of an outsider traveling through territorial New Mexico for the first time.
Dates
- 1875
Creator
- Sweeny, Louis L. (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of print and photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Extent
1 Folder
Abstract
The collection consists of three letters written by Louis Sweeny, describing his overland journey from Philadelphia to Silver City, NM, with stops in Denver and Santa Fe.
Creator
- Sweeny, Louis L. (Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Louis L. Sweeny Letters Describing Overland Journey to Silver City, NM, 1875, 1875
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- B. Silbergleit
- Date
- © 2011
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451